Surface marking apparatus



Fell 20, 1945- G. RODLI ET AL SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS Filed Oct. l5, 1941 6 Sheets- Sheet 1 Feb. 20, 1945. G. RODLI ET AL 2,369,983

SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS Filed Oct. l5, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 N Uilm" GwBE. QT @ou l f' mws MO. wsow Feb 20, 1945 G. RoDLl ET AL SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS Filed oct. 15, 1941- 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fic1.l0.

\ AQL.. m mars Feb. 20, 1945. G` RQDU ET AL 2,369,983

SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS Filed Oct. l5, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 204 204 21e A @402 203B i 220 20| ll? I 20'?` zos 203 2o| o 1U l 203 20s |02 y 22o 2 0 zig I (218 l 222 222 I. l f l 0 0 A ne ne 221 20o 2' 2o: 20 22:V 2o 20 22 Z FGJI.

lnventors Sursee? @aan UNL armas/V. Wwsow Feb. 20, '1945. G. RoDLl ET AL SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. l5, 1941 me/whom Gunst-.2r 'Env-q amd, 'uvus Jason Patented Feb., 20, 1945 SURFACE MARKING APPARATUS Gilbert Rodli and Rufus W. Wilson, Huntingdon, Pa.

Application October 15, 1941, Serial No. 415,116

Claims.

This invention relates to surface and road marking apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for the dispensing of autocollimating units such as glass or plastic spheres, quartz, or other granular material in connection with the fabrication of surface lines incorporating autocollimating units or such other granular material in binders such as paint and the like.

This application is a continuation-impart of our copending application Serial No. 263,548, filed March 22, 1939, application Serial No."2.63,548, issued on April 7, 1942, as Patent No. 2,278,948.

The significant part played by road markings, such as center lines, and lane margin lines, for example, in promoting safety on the highway has been widely recognized by state road officials and the utilization thereof on modern roadways has become universal. During the day the markings are clear and the observation thereof by the driver of a motor car on a highway incorporating a road marking presents no particular problem as long as the lines are fresh and well defined, that is, not obliterated by traillc. At night, however, when the lines are most needed, the part played by the road marking, as compared with the daytime, will be relatively small unless the reflection characteristics inherent therein are good.

Various expedients are depended upon to eilect satisfactory surface markings among which are simply paint of different colors, such as for example, white and yellow which are most common; paint plus pumice to increase the reilection efficiency of the marking; metal foil; white or colored concrete; relatively large reflector buttons fabricated of glass or synthetic material anchored at spaced intervals; and paint incorporating glass spheres of microscopic size.

Road markings comprising simply white or co1- ored paint, as has been stated, serve to reflect and diffuse light measurably, but the disadvantages of such simple marking comprise that of short life under normal traflic conditions, and improper reflection. The reflection of the light from the head lamps of a car traveling in one direction to the eyes of the driver of a car approaching from the opposite direction tends to blind the latter, the angle of incidence being equal to the angle of reflection. The diffusion serves to cause a relatively small portion of the light from the head lamps of the drivers car to be returned to him as compared with road markings incorporating autocollimating units, as will be later described.

Road markings including pumice as well as paint while not entirely satisfactory have shown a tendency to be longer lived than markings comprising simply paint and to have increased reection characteristics; that is, to throw a greater proportion of the light from the head lamps of `the drivers car back to the driver in order that the marking may appear clear and well defined to him.

'I'he disadvantages inherent in white or colored concrete are similar to those recited above and include that of short life as the concrete soon becomes dirty, serving no longer as a road marking until freshened with paint. The rst cost is usually high as is the case when relatively large reflector buttons fabricated of glass or synthetic material are anchored at spaced intervals. While these buttons eillciently reect light in a desirable manner, their cost and expense of installation is prohibitively high for universal installation.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for the dispensing of autocollimating units or the like onto a binder, which apparatus is simple to operate and serves to distribute the units or the like over the binder in a manner to effect relatively high autocollimating efliciency and long life of the marker thus produced.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide an apparatus for dispensing spherical grains onto a reflecting binder, the arrangement of parts being such as to eiect proper control of the apparatus in a novel and eillcient manner.

Other objects and the nature and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a dispenser with the storage tank, feed spout, and gear box cover plate removed;

Fig. 2 is a view in section taken along lines 2-2 of Figure land looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of a dispenser rotor in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the rotor shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 5 is a view in rotor;

Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of a rotor having on its surface a. diamond-shaped pattern;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a multiple dispenser assembly;

Fig. 8 is a section taken Figure 7 and looking in the rows;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, but of a perspective of a herringbone along line 8-8 of direction of ther armodified form of dispenser and assembly and illustrating a modified clutch arrangement;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view of one of the dispensers shown in Fig. 9, the section being taken through the axis of the rotor;

Fig. 1l is a plan view of a modified form of dispenser assembly and clutch arrangement;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional View taken along line |2|2 of Figure 11 and looking in the direction of the arrows, particularly illustrating the novel clutching arrangement and control therefor;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary elevational view of a dispenser assembly and truck illustrating operating controls therefor;

l ment of the dispenser shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9, l1).V

11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a dispenser 20 is adapted to be supported above the surface to receive the autocollimating units by a pair of wheels 30 which may comprise tires of any suitable material, such as solid tires or pneumatic tires. Operation of the dispensing mechanism, later to be described, is effected by lateral movement of the dispenser 20 causing rotation of the rubber tired Wheels 30 which are in frictional engagement With the surface to be marked. Rotation of the mechanism within the casing 21 is effected only when the half clutch coupling 33 is engaged, which engagement is brought about by actuation of an operating member, not shown, which is connected therewith. Upon reverse operation of said operating member the half clutch coupling 33 may be released to bring about cessation of operation of the dispenser 20. The casing 21 is provided with the flange 25 which is adapted to cooperate with a container or source of autocollimating units which are to be dispensed, but this container or source is not shown. For purposes of illustration, the gear box cover has been removed from the gear box portion 4i so as to expose the driving gear train between the half clutch coupling 33 and the dispensing rotor 53. The intermediate gear stud shaft 44 is adapted to be adjustably mounted in the cover for the gear box portion 4| which cover is not shown. This adjustable mounting insofar as the axis of rotation of the gear 45 is concerned makes it possible to substitute different sized gear wheels for the gear wheel 50 so that different speeds of rotation of the rotor 53 may be effected and corresponding distributions o material to be dispensed accomplished.

With the half clutch coupling 33 engaged. lateral movement of the dispenser 20 will effect rotation of the drive shaft 4B upon which the wheels 30 are normally mounted and rotation will be imparted to the large gear 41 of the compound gear 45 by the meshing drive gear 48 and finally motion will be imparted to the rotor shaft 49 by the driven gear. 50 which meshes with the small gear I of the compound gear 45.

The casing 21 which receives autocollimating units from a hopper or other source, not shown, serves to direct same onto the surface of the rotor 53 which is formed with a series of receiving grooves 54 sealed from the feed spout 55 by the felt brushes 56 and 51, respectively. Each brush is adapted to be adjusted with regard to compression in relation to the surface of the rotor 53 by means of springs 58 and 59 and adjusting screws SD and 6|, respectively. The springs 58 and 59 may be either of the flat type or coil type and are arranged to engage metal stiffener bars 62 and 63, respectively, which in turn effect a proper compression of the hard glazed felt strips 56 and 51, respectively.

Formed Within the lower portion of the feed spout which is secured to the casing 21 by screws 65 are a plurality of baffles 64 so spaced as to effect a proper distribution of material oi' units to be dispensed.

The feed spout 55 as illustrated is preferably fabricated of sheet metal, but it is to be understood that it is Within the scope of the invention to cast or mold same and that the number and size of the baffles or partitions 64 may be varied as desired.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a rotor 53, which may be fabricated of metal or other suitable material, comprises a cylindrical body portion 66 formed with longitudinal grooves 68 which extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotor on the surface of the rotor, from one eX- treme end 61 thereof to the other extreme end 61a. The rotor shaft 89 is adapted to pass throughthe bore 10 in the body'portion 66 of the rotor 53. Copper or raw hide shear pins are passed through holes 1I and 12 Which are arranged transversely of the axis of the rotor and adapted to register with corresponding holes, not shown, which extend through shaft 69, which latter holes are formed perpendicular to the axis of said shaft. Should for any reason the rotor be prevented from rotating because of jamming of the material or units to be dispensed or otherwise, the shear pins are adapted to be the first to fail, thereby preventing injury to the rotor and the remainder of the dispenser 20.

In the marking of roadways, football gridirons. baseball diamonds, recreation grounds, Warehouses, storage and parking lots and garages, aviation fields and industrial plants, certain types of apparatus have been devised to concentrate paint along the center of the line gradually thinning out toward its margins. As the life of the line or mark may be said to be a function of the number of partially embedded autocollimating units on its surface, when the units are glass spheres,

it may be desirable in certain instancesto concentrate a number of units distributed over the line along the center of same for the center having more binder or paint may hold a greater number of units securely. Now it is not always desirable to cover the entire surface of the mark or line, for to do so may involve increased expense by reason of the cost of additional material with no corresponding increase in reflection efficiency.

Accordingly, a herringbone rotor 13, see Fig. 5, may be incorporated in the dispenser 20 in place of the rotor 53, which rotor 53 is so formed as to concentrate the number of units dispensed along the center of the line to be fabricated, yet distributing a proper amount of the units over all portions of the line to effect a finished marker of desired life and reflection characteristics. The rotor 13 may comprise a body portion 14 and end plates 15 to close the U-shaped open portions of the grooves or slots 1B. When the rotor 53 is 20, it is to be understood 61a are to be capped with the end plate 'l5 so that the grooves 68 of the rotor 53 will be closed at the ends and the felt seals 56 and 51 and the end plates already described will serve to cooperate with each other and the casing 21 to measure out the proper quantity of spheres or other units to be dispensed. When the rotor 53 is used in those dispensers later to be described, which include end sealing felts, the end caps, such as the end caps 15, may be eliminated.

For effecting still other distributions, depending on the character of the binder which is to be utilized in association with the units dispensed and the method of application of said binder, a rotor 11, see Figure 6, may be substituted for the rotor 53 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. This rotor comprises a cylindrical body portion 18 which may have two end plates 19 covering the open end portion of the grooves 80 which are so arranged out of parallel with the axisof the rotor as to elTect a diamond shaped pattern on the surface thereof. The distribution effected by this type of rotor has been found to give markedly high quality reflection and long-life to a marker or line' fabricated with the dispenser incorporating this rotor.

For eiecting a continuous lane or center line which is capable of long life and high reflecting efiiciency while making use of ay relatively smaller number of autocollimating units or other material to be dispensed, for incorporation in their reflecting binder in order to enhance the reectivity thereof, the rotor |53 may be utilized which comprises spaced sets of contiguous grooves |68 which serve to dispense autocollimating units or other units to be dispensed in a dashed-line pattern so that those portions of the marker which contain autocollimating units or other units to be dispensed are spaced from each other by a relatively small distance corresponding to the space between the sets of grooves |68 on the surface of the rotor |53. For purposes of illustration the spacing between the sets of grooves has been shown as being approximately the same in circumferential dimension as each set of grooves taken together and measured in the same manner. When a line so marked is viewed at night under the light from the headlamps of an automobile, the angle of light reflection measuring from the road surface is so small that the marked area gives the appearance of being continuous even though a relatively smaller number of autocollimating units may be utilized. It is, of course. to be understood that when the rotor |53 is used in the dispenser 20, end plates such as the end plate 15, shown in Fig. 5, are to be associated with the ends of the rotor |53. However, when end sealing felts are incorporated in the dispenser structure as will later `be described, these end platesv may be eliminated. This elimination of the end plates by the utilization of end sealing felts applies to all the rotors `described.

In our copending application, the depth and width of the grooves of the various rotors are described as being of a dimension of approximately one-sixteenth of an rinch when glass spheres of a diameter of from five to forty thousandths of an inch are to be dispensed. In connection with the herringbone rotor shown in Figure 5, the grooves 16 might be arranged so as to be ve-sixteenths of an inch out of parallel with the axis of the rotor for every three inches of the axial length of same.` While rotors having used in the dispenser that the ends 61 and end plates similar to grooves of such dimensions have been found to be satisfactory under ordinary conditions, actual work in the eld has led to the unexpected discovery that dispensing was more difficult in the early morning than during the middle of the day and in more humid climates than in relatively dry climates. This diffculty arises from the fact that when glass spheres are dispensed on a cold morning, moisture from the atmosphere condenses on the surface of the glass spheres and the dispensing action of rotors having grooves approximately one-sixteenth of an inch wide and one-sixteenth of an inch deep is impaired. It is apparent that the size of the grooves of the rotors is critical for proper dispensing action and that the size of these grooves must be larger than onesixteenth of an inch in width and one-sixteenth of an inch in depth when spheres ranging from five to forty thousandths of an inch in diameter are to be dispensed. One ideal size of groove which is larger than one-sixteenth of an inch in width and one-sixteenth of an inch in depth is shown in connection with the .rotor 53 in Figures 3 and 4 wherein the groove is approximately three-sixteenths of an inch in width and three-sixteenths of an inch in depth. Actually the bottom of the groove is rounded and the radius for the bottom curve of each groove is approximately three-thirty seconds of an inch. In the rotor 53, the space between the grooves measured on the exterior of the rotor 53 is .0743 inch. Such a rotor has been found in practice to dispense approximately .2 pound of spheres for each revolution of the rotor when the rotor is six inches in axial length and the outer diameter of the rotor is one and one-half inches. It is to be understood that it is within the scope of the invention to make grooves 16 in the rotor 14 and the grooves 80 in the rotor 11, as well as the grooves |68 of the rotor |53 of the same size as the grooves 68 of the rotor 53.

Referring to Figures 7. 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18, the modied form of dispenser |00 may comprise two identical side elements |0| such as shown in perspective in Figure 17. in transverse section in Figure 9 and in elevation viewing same from the inside in Figure l0. The dispenser |00 may also comprise two identical end elements 02 shown in perspective in Figure 18, in vertical transverse section in Figure 10 and in elevation in Figures 8 and 9. These elements |0| and |02, respectively, may be of cast metal or forgings or molded or otherwise fabricated.

The side elements |0|, see Figures 9 and 17 in particular, each comprise walls forming a pocket |03 which extend throughout the entire length of the side element |0| and is adapted to receive a sealing felt |04 which in the assembled dispenser |00 contacts the rotor 53. The side elements |0| also each comprise a series of halfpartitions or baliies |05 best shown in Figs. 17, 9 and 10 so that when the two side elements |01 are arranged contiguous with each other as shown in Fig. 9, they may be xedly assembled by bolting thereto the end elements |02 with the holes |06 and the end elements |02 registering with the holes |01 in the side flange |08 of the side elements |0|. It will now be apparent that with the arrangement described it is possible to assemble the body of the dispenser of only two pairs of elements with the elements in each pair being identical so that only two patterns are necessary. Further, if wider markers are to be fabricated, it is only necessary to substitute wider side elements and the same end elements |02 may be used. Further, if any element is injured in the field, it may be readily removed and a new element substituted therefor. The formation of the inner upper portion |09 of each side element I0| is such as to provide a small chamber |I0 between the two assembled side elements, see Fig. 9, which chamber I|0 is adapted to receive glass spheres or other units to be dispensed. From the chamber |I0 the units to be dispensed are directed onto the grooved rotor 53 between the two sealing felts |03 and as the rotor 53 rotates, the units are discharged into the discharge spout II| formed by the lower portions 2 of the side elements I0|, which discharge spout III is partitioned or baffled by the half partitions or baffles |05 so as to provide a series of dischargechutes extending along the entire length of the dispenser which corresponds to the width of the marker to be fabricated with the aid of the dispenser |00.

In the dispenser |00, the rotor 53 is formed with grooves 68 which extend from one extreme end thereof to the other. Cooperating with the ends B1 and 61a of the rotor 53 in the dispenser |00 are the end sealing felts I3 which are located in the recesses I |4 in the end elements |02. Prior to utilizing the dispenser in the fleld, the end felts |I3 and the sealing felts |04 are located in place with the dispenser elements assembled and with the felts being somewhat larger than the space which they occupy when the dispenser is in operation. The felts are then broken in by running the dispenser such as by driving it by an electric motor or by placing it in a lathe so that the sealing felts will adapt themselves to effect the proper compression and sealing effect. After the running in or breaking in, the dispensers are ready for assembly with the frame of the device which is to carry the dispense;` in the field. If desired, the felt adjusting screws 60 and 6| may be fprovided.

vThe side elements I 0I are formed with ears I I5 which are drilled at I I6, see Figs. 1'7, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15. The assembled dispensers |00 may be mounted on the shaft I I'I which rotates with supporting Wheels I I8 which are in contact with the ground adjacent the marker to be fabricated so that as the shaft III is pulled across the surface to be marked by a frame, not shown in Fig. 7, secured to the bearing supports I I9, the pneumatic tire wheels II8 are caused to rotate and in turn the shaft I II rotates within a bearing located in the ear I I5 of the side elements IOI of dispensers |00. The bearings II9 may be bronze bushings when the dispenser is adapted to be propelled at a speed of less than fifteen miles per hour and may be ball bearings when the speed is in excess of fifteen miles per hour. Similarly the bearings in the bores II6 of the ears II5 and about the shaft I I'I may be of bronze at speeds of less than fifteen miles per hour and of other ball type when the device is to be moved in excess of fifteen miles per hour. The ear II5 which is opposed to the ear associated with the shaft II'I may be connected to a fixed shaft |20 parallel to, but spaced from, the shaft I I'I. The ear I I5 which is fixed to the shaft |20, which in turn is supported by the rod |2I, is in bearing relation with the rotating shaft II'I at |22. The rod |2| may be supported by the main frame with which the bearings IIS are associated in order that as the shaft II'I is pulled across the surface to be marked, the shaft II'I may rotate and serve as the driver for the dispenser |00 while the dispenser |00 is properly supported in such position as to be capable of receiving power from the shaft I I1.

Although it is contemplated that a single dispenser |00 be mounted on a shaft I II which is secured to supporting wheels I|8 in order to effect a single line marker, in the marking of certain highways which are to be striped with two or more parallel spaced lines of the same or contrasting colors, more than one dispenser may be associated with the shaft II'I as shown in Figure 7. Here three dispensers |00, IO0A and |00B are associated with the shaft I I1. The dispensers |00 and IO0B are supported in a similar manner. Dispenser IO0A is mounted in the same manner with respect to shaft I II, but the ear I ISA thereof may be fixed to the main supporting frame and no shaft which corresponds to the shaft |20 utilized. It is contemplated that with the entire assembly shown in Figure 7, three parallel stripes may be laid or fabricated simultaneously. It is also contemplated that the width of the lines fabricated by the markers |00, IO0A and IO0B may vary or may be the same. Not only may the width be varied, but the color of the reflecting binder associated with the units dispensed from the dispensers |00, IO0A and IO0B may be different. For example, the binder to be associated with units dispensed from dispenser IO0A may be yellow in color and the binder with which units dispensed from |00 and IO0B are to be associated may be White in color or vice versa. Also, the dispenser I 00A may fabricate an 8-inch line whereas the dispensers |00 and |00B may be used in the fabrication of a four or six inch line or any other combination of widths of marker may be effected by the utilization of the equipment shown in Fig. 7 as desired. Mounted on the shaft II'I are the driving sprocket wheels |23 which are connected with the driven sprocket wheels |24 by the chains |25. The rotors 53 within the dispensers |00, IO0A and |00B are connected to the shafts 46 which in turn may be connected in driving relation of the hubs with the driven sprocket wheels |24 by the sliding of the half-clutches |26 inwardly and the shafts 46 may be disconnected from the hubs of the driven sprocket wheels |24 by sliding the half clutches |26 outwardly. Operating means, not shown, may be connected with the half clutches |26 so that the operation of the rotors 53 within the dispensers |00, IO0A and IO0B may be effected manually or by automatic means such as an air cylinder or solenoid which in turn may be controlled by a button convenient to the operator. The controls for the half clutches |26 may be so arranged that they may be operated simultaneously or individually as desired. Of course, it will be understood that when the clutches are in so that the driving shaft II'I is operably connected with the rotors 53, spheres will be dispensed and when the clutches are out and the driving connection disconnected, dispensing of spheres will cease. \The utilization of the chain drive as described, or other flexible connections, is particularly adaptable in connection with installations of dispensers |00 on truck units where the main supporting frame is so located that a gear connection between the driving shaft and the dispenser is not feasible. Other constructions which make it essential that a chain drive as described be utilized occur in those instances wherein the binder dispensing gun or other binder dispensing equipment is associated with a power take-off shaft and the dispenser arrangement must be accommodated thereto in a manfer which makes it impractical to use a gear r ve.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the shaft ||1 is provided with a driving gear |21 which is adapted to mesh with a traveling intermediate gear |28 which in turn meshes with the driven gears |29 which is directly connected to the shaft 46 on the rotors 53. The traveling gear |28 is rotatably mounted on the arm |30 which is iixedly connected to the operating lever arm |3| which in turn is pivotally mounted on the shaft 46. The gear |28 is always in mesh with the driven gear |29, but it may be moved into or out of meshing relationship with gear |21 by the operation of the lever arm |3| as will be apparent from inspection of Figure 9. The lever arm |3| may be operated manually or by an air.

cylinder or rby a solenoid which in turn may be connected to a starter button or similar control located convenient to the operator. Each dispenser may be provided with a similar control such as that described in connection with Fig. 9 and all the dispensers may be made to operate simultaneously or they may be individually controlled as described in connection with the dispensers |00, |00A and |00B shown in Fig. '1. The novel arrangement shown ,in Fig. 9 makes use of but one gear in addition to the driving and driven gears and the dispenser bodies may be fixedly associated with the frame of the vehicle which supports the dispensers. While the construction illustrated in Fig. 9 shows two dispensers associated with the driven shaft ||1, it is to be understood that only one dispenser may be utilized or more than two may be utilized. It is also to be understood that on a single road to ybe marked, over some' areas a single line marker is to be fabricated whereas over other areas of the same road a plurality of parallel lines are to form the marker. The ar rangement described is capable of effecting such variation in markers over the same road simply by the operation of the controls referred to above.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the modified form of dispenser 200 comprises side elements 20| which are similar in every respect with the side elements |0| of the dispenser |00 with the exception that the ears ||5 have b'een omitted. The endelements |02 of the dispenser 200 are the same end elements |02 that are used'on the dispenser |00. The main shaft ||1 of the dispenser assembly, with which the dispensers 200 are associated, are secured to the surface contacting wheels i I8 as described in connection with the dispenser assembly shown in Fig. '1. The drive shaft or axle ||1 is journaled in the bearing blocks 203, 203a and 2031 Tow or hitching plates 204 are secured at the outside ends of bearing blocks 203 and 20312. 'I'hese tow or hitching plates and/or the bearing blocks are adapted to be secured to the frame of the propelling vehicle such as a truck. In the same vertical plane as the drive shaft or axle ||1 are the two fixed cross rods 205 and 206 which are secured to the ybearing blocks 203, 203a and 2031 Formed integral with or secured to the side 20| which is adjacent the drive shaft or axle ||1 are two ears 201 which are drilled at 203 so that the said ears 201 may be pivotally mounted on the cross rod 205 which is secured to the bearing iblocks 203, 203a and 2031 In cooperation with the lower part of the dispensers 200, the operating The bell crank 2|2 is pivotally mounted on the lower cross rod 200 and has an arm 2M which is pivotally secured at 2|5 to the plunger rod 2|6 which comprises a length adjusting nut 2|1 and is associated with a piston within al compressed air cylindrical chamber 2|0 which cylinder is provided with a compressed air inlet conduit 2|! l which in turn is connected to a compressedvair source on the propelling vehicle not shown. With the piston in the cylinder 2|8 in its lowest position, the bell crank 2|2 in full line position, the dispenser 200 will be in its operating position with the driving gear 220 which is secured to the shaft ||1 in mesh with the driven gear 22| which is fixedly secured on the shaft 46 of the rotor 53. When under the influence of compressed air the piston within the cylinder 2|0 is raised, the plunger rod 2|6 will be correspondingly lifted causing rotation of the bell crank in a clockwise direction and operation of the lever 209 in a manner to cause it to move the lower end of the dispenser 200 outwardly to the position shown in broken lines and thereby causingthe dispenser 200 to bodily rotate about the cross rod 205 as a pivot and bringing the driven gear v22| out of mesh with the driving gear 220 so that the rotor 53 will no longer serve to dispense glass spheres or other units to be dispensed. This novel construction makes use of but two gears in the drive between the driving shaft and the rotor 53 of the dispenser 200 and all additional clutching mechanism has been obviated, with, of course, the exception of the operating lever system which may be automatically operated by the compressed air cylinder already described or an electrically operated solenoid may be substituted for the air cylinder. It is to be underend of the operating lever 203 is pivotally secured to the arm 2|| of the bell crank 2|2 at 2|3.

stood that plunger rod 2|0 may be manually operated ii"'desired.

For the threeA dispensers as shown in Figure 11 it is to be understood that a single dispenser may be substituted and operated similarly and a system involving a plurality of dispensers has been described which is capable of practical and more universal use. In the construction shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the dispensers 200 may be entirely supported by the cross rods 205 and 206 and it is, ocr course, to be understood that when the dispensers 200 are in their lower or operating position, they may be kept in' this position by the utilization of air pressure in a downwardly direction on the piston within the cylinder 2|8. 'Ihe weight of the dispensers 200 also serves to keep them in their operative position. 'I'he air cylinders 2|8 are fixed with respect to the frame of the assembly and may be secured to the blocks 222 which in turn are fixed to the cross rod 205.

The action of the sealing felts on the rotors within the various dispensers described serves to keep them Afrom rotating at the time when it is desired .that dispensing cease and when the driving connection between the driving shaft and the rotor shaft has been broken due to the friction between the rotor surface and the sealing felts.

Referring toFigures 9 and 10 in particular, and generally referring to the dispensers |00 and 200, the tops of the dispensers may be provided with an upwardly dished cover l223 formed with an openingvin the uppermost portion thereof 224. The conduit 225 is connected to the opening 224 Within the opening'224 an inverted V-shaped distributor baffle 225 may be arranged to effectively distribute the spheres or other units to be dispensed over the exposed surface of the rotor which extends between the sealing felts. Each conduit 225 may be connected with a com mon glass sphere or other unit to be dispensed magazine which is not shown. In some cases where the utilization of la common magazine is impractical, the covers 223 and the conduits 225 may be dispensed with and a hopper having a bottom opening corresponding to the top opening of the dispensers and 200 may be substituted. If desired a valve in the conduits 225 may be provided though it has been found in practice that effective control of the dispensers |00 and 200 may be accomplished by the utilization of the mechanisms described without the necessity of any auxiliary control.

In order to facilitate ready fabrication of this assembly of the dispenser side elements |0| and 20| and end elements |02, not only may separate sets of bolts be utilized to fasten each end element to the side elements, but a single set of relatively long bolts may be passed through both end elements and the flanges of the side elements so that all the heads oif the bolts may be associated with one end element and all the nuts associated with the opposite ends of the bolts and the opposite end element.

In the fabrication of highway lane lines and center lines it is sometimes necessary to bring the fabricating equipment over a long distance before marking is begun. The equipment may generally comprise a truck T, see Figs. 13, 14 and 15, on which a binder supply tank may be located as well as a. binder applicator. As the spheres or other unit dispensing equipment |00 is operated by contacting vthe wheel ||8 with the sur face S to4 be marked, and it is essential that the truck be moved to the locale of the marking as quickly as possible, it is not desirable that the dispenser be operated even though the rotor be declutched or disconnected from the driving shaft to which the wheels ||8 are secured. Accordingly, in accordance with the invention, means are provided to bodily lift the dispensers from the surface to be marked during the time when the truck T is driven to the locale of operations. It is contemplated in accordance with the invention that a winch W be provided on the truck for lifting the frame F to which the dispensers |00 are secured. The handle H, see Fig. 13, is rotated in a clockwise direction thereby taking up the cap C and causing the frame F to pivot about the joint J and lift the dispensers |00 from the rod. The handle may be locked in place by a suitable ratchet and pawl or other locking device. When the truck arrives on the set of operations, the locking device may be unlocked and the dispenser |00 lowered to the surface to be marked. As the truck T is moved over the roadway to be marked and it is desired that dispensers |00 begin operation, the operator effects such controlled operation of the com.- pressed air supply as to initiate the flow of compressed air through the hose 2|0 to cause the piston within cylinder 2|B to effect operation of the plunger P thereby causing movement of the operating lever |3| in a direction such that the intermediate gear |28 meshes with the driving gear |21 thereby causing rotating of the driven gear |29 and corresponding rotation of the dispensing rotor within the dispenser |00. When temporary cessation of operation of the dispenser is desired in order to fabricate the marker in accordance with a predetermined plan, the compressed air is caused to act on the piston within the cylinder 2|8 to cause the piston to move in the opposite direction thereby moving the gear |28 out of mesh with the driving gear |21 so that the sealing felts within the dispenser |00 will effect sufficient friction on the dispensing rotor so as to cause same to cease rotation.

In Figure 14, the hydraulic lift L is utilized to lift the frame F about the joint J so that the dispensers |00 will be lifted from the road surface S.

In Figure 15, the hydraulic lift L is located below the joint J so that a push on the rod R will effect the lifting of the frame F to which the dispensers |00 are attached so that the wheels ||8 will no longer contact the surface S. The reverse action of the lift L will bring the dispensers back to their operative relation with respect to the road surface S. In Figures 13, 14 and 15, separate means from the truck motor have been illustrated for effecting movement of the frame F; and it is to be understood that it is in accordance with the invention to utilize any power take off of the truck whether such power take off be connected directly to the truck propelling motor or whether it be connected to an auxiliary motor. For example, the winch W may be operated by a gas or electric motor on the truck or by a power take off associated with the truck propelling engine. The lifts L may be operated from a compressed air tank located on the truck which may be operated by an auxiliary motor compressor unit or the compressor unit may be directly connected to the truck propelling engine.

For purposes of illustration the dispensers |00 have been shown in association with the trucks T in Figs. 13, 14 and 15, but it is contemplated that any form of dispenser described above may be so associated. l

Though the dispensing units, Figs. 13, 14 and 15, have been shown as located to the rear of the truck T, it is contemplated that they also may be located at the side of the truck T.

The dispensers and dispenser assemblies de scribed above may be, associated with binder applicators of the spray type, brush type or other suitable binder applicator means. For example, the binder may be`applied by flowing same onto a roller which engages the surface to be marked.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in this device without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shownl in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispenser for dispensing spherical grains and the like in generally not more than a single layer onto a reflecting binder for the preparation of highway surface markers comprising: a hopper, a rotor formed with depressed portions, the depressed portions extending generally axially of the rotor on the surface thereof, a casing for said rotor, means in contact with said rotor for sealing said rotor to prevent grains within said hopper from falling past said rotor without entering said depressed portions, means for causing rotation of said rotor, a substantially rigid discharge spout in spaced relation to the surface of said rotor and extending below and substantially vertically downwardly therefrom, said discharge spout being formed with an opening extending substantially across its entire bottom, the end wallsof said spout being spaced at least as far apart as the length of said depressed portions on the surface of said rotor, said rotor aseaoss having its operating surface operating freely and outl of contact with the remainder of said apparatus with the exception of said sealing means which contacts the surface of said rotor, said rotor and said sealing means solely making up the mechanism for dispensing of spherical grains to the surface to be marked, the grains'passing said sealing means within theV depressions of the rotor falling freely through the spout to the surface to be marked, whereby said dispenser serves to distribute grains in accordance with a predetermined plan onto the area over which the dispenser is moved, the area being covered being generally as wide as the axial length of the depressed portions on said rotor surface. l

2: The structure recited in claim 1, said destituting dierent size gears forsaid driven gear and adjusting the position of said intermediate gear correspondingly. C,

7. T'he structure recited in claim 1, said rotor being formed with grooves approximately three sixteenths of an inch wide and three sixteenths of an inch deep, said dispenser being adapted to dispense glass spheres of sizes ranging from ve thousandths of an inch to forty thousandths of an inch positively without interference due to the atmospheric condensation.

v 8. 'I'he structure recited in claim 1,- said rotor being formed with grooves more than one-sixteenth of aninch wide and more than one-sixpressed portions in said rotor comprising grooves on the surface thereof extending in a direction parallel to the axis of said ro/tor.

3. The structure recited in claim 1, said sealing means comprising felt strips, housings for each of said felt strips, said housings being formed with openings adjacent said rotor, said felt strips being located in said housings with portions thereof extending through said openings therein and being in contact with said rotor, and means for adjustably'compressing each of' said felt strips.

4. The structure recited in claim 1, said rotor being formed with a plurality of herringbone grooves on its surface.

5. The structure recited in claim 1, said rotor beingformed with diamond-shaped grooves on its surface.

6. A dispenser for dispensing spherical grains I and the like in generally not more than a single layer onto a reflecting binder for the preparation of highway surface markers comprising: a hopper, a rotor formed with depressed portions, a casing for said rotor, a driven shaft connected to said rotor, a gear wheel mounted on said driven shaft, a driving shaft, a driving gear mounted on said driving shaft, walls forming a gear box associated' with said rotor casing, an adjustable intermediate shaft adapted to be associated in adjustable relation with said gear box, an intermediate gear mounted on said intermediate shaft, said intermediate gear adapted to mesh with said driving gear and said drivengear whereby the ratio of speed of said rotor to the speed of said gear on said driving shaft may be varied by subteenth 0f an inch deep, adapted to dispense glass said dispenser being spheres of sizes ranging from five thousandths of an inch to forty thousandths of an inch positively without interference due to the atmospheric condensation.

9. A multiple dispenser assembly comprising a main driving shaft, surface contacting wheels xed to said main drivingshaft, a dispenser located on one side of said driving shaft and operatively connected thereto, a pair of additional dispensers located on the other side of said driving shaft and operatively connected thereto, each4 of said dispensers being spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the axis of said driving shaft.

10. In a dispensing apparatus, a'wheeled frame,

a wheeled` dispenser movably mounted on said frame, means for transmitting motion from the wheels of said dispenser to the mechanism within same when the wheels of said dispenser contact the surface to be marked, and means for lifting the wheeled dispenser from the surface to be marked, said last mentioned means being mounted on said wheeled frame, friction means within said dispenser mechanism cooperating to effect a predetermined dispensing action and for preventing operation of said mechanism when the wheels of said dispenser are lifted from contact with the surface to be marked, whereby said wheeled frame may be moved to and from the area to be marked with the wheeled dispenser lifted from the surface traversed when bringing the apparatus to the surface to be marked.

Gunnar RoDLI. nUFUs W. wILsoN. 

